SailGP has unveiled its calendar for the 2027 season, with thirteen events spread across the globe. The flying catamaran competition will begin its journey in Asia, highlighting the inclusion of Hong Kong as a new venue. The circuit will also make a stop in Spain, specifically in Valencia, during the month of September 2027.
Foils and electronic control: the technology that defines the circuit ⚙️
The F50s, fifteen-meter-long catamarans, fly over the water thanks to T-foils that generate hydrodynamic lift. The computer control system regulates the inclination and angle of attack, allowing speeds exceeding 90 km/h to be reached. Hydraulic energy management, powered by lithium batteries, is key to maintaining flight and maneuvers. Each team adjusts the configuration according to wind and sea conditions.
Thirteen events and a championship jet lag ✈️
Thirteen races in one year sounds like a wet dream for sponsors and a logistical nightmare for the teams. Technicians will have to deal with time zones, customs, and the eternal dilemma of whether the container with spare parts arrived in Hong Kong or got lost in Dubai. That said, sailors can boast of racking up frequent flyer miles while sailing at 50 knots.